How to Help Less Fortunate Families

There are many families in every community that are just barely getting by. There are a variety of ways that we can help families, and children, who are less fortunate or are currently experiencing hardship. If community organizations, or your family, can come together, these families can get the help that they need and begin to overcome their hardships. Read on to gather some ideas on how you can help families in need in your area.

Things You'll Need

• Food items for donation
• Coats for donation
• Organizations and people who are willing
• to volunteer their time
• Items to put into food and gift baskets
• A big heart

Instructions

1. 

   Form a canned food drive with your church, organization, or school. Have everybody bring in canned foods, Make it a contest to see who can bring in the most items. Set the food drive for a specific time, and have a prize for the ones who bring in the most. Donate the food to area food pantries or shelters.

2. 

   Put together a coat drive. In the winter, many families can not afford coats for their young children or themselves. Begin collecting coats in the early fall. Have an open time where families can come in and pick out a coats.

3. Locate the "angel trees", or Christmas trees, in your area around the holidays. These trees will have tags hanging from the limbs, designating needs such as "Boy, age 10" or "Girl, age 6". Pick a tag off of the tree and shop for the items on that child's list. Find out how you can adopt an entire family to make that family's Christmas special.

4. 

   Put together food and gift baskets. Include canned food items or non-perishable items. You could also include meat, such as chicken or turkey. Add soaps, scented sprays, small gifts for children, books, or whatever you choose to make it special. Distribute the baskets to families in need within your community.

5. 

   Plan a family celebration event or a big fun activity for everyone to enjoy. Set an affordable price for all activities, such as games, rides, face paintings, food, and shows. Use the money that is raised to donate to families to help pay bills, purchase clothing, buy food, or to help pay for school supplies.

6. 

   Organize a back to school event. Enlist people from your church, family, or organization to find families who need assistance purchasing school supplies for their children. "Adopt" a child, or children, for the day and take him, or them, shopping for school supplies. Take everyone out to lunch afterwards.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to help less fortunate families all year. Many just focus on holidays, but people are in need year round.

• Make sure that those you are helping are truly in need. There are those who try to take advantage.

Resources

• Help Others.org: Random Acts of Kindness
• JustGive.org
• The Hunger Site: Click to give.